The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and banks are in a disagreement over the challenges Nigerians face when trying to update their National Identity Number (NIN) information. Customers have reported difficulties in completing banking transactions because changes made to their names, ages and genders on the NIMC portal are not reflecting correctly in their bank accounts. In some cases, these modifications are repeated or even include new errors.
The banks blame NIMC for the issues, while NIMC says the banks are still using the old version of its portal. According to NIMC, its verification and authentication system is functioning properly.
Investigation revealed that married women are particularly affected, especially those who changed their maiden names. These women have faced challenges when trying to update their information through the NIMC Self-service NIN modification portal. Some customers who visited their banks to make changes were told that the NIMC portal still showed their old profiles, indicating that the updates had not been completed.
At the NIMC office in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, a staff member explained that the banks are still using the outdated portal and urged them to update their systems like the Nigerian Immigration Service did. The NIMC confirmed that they have received complaints from customers who attempted modifications, but their bank records were not updated accordingly. NIMC also reassured customers by showing them their updated profiles on the Nigerian Immigration Service portal, but customers are still facing difficulties with the banks.
Overall, many Nigerians are frustrated with the delays and errors in the NIN modification process, with some unable to access their bank accounts or resolve issues despite spending time and money. Customers are calling for NIMC and the banks to address the technical issues and ensure that changes are reflected accurately and promptly in both systems.